A three-dimensional modeling technology for management of the construction process based on scanning with unmanned aerial vehicles

The aim of this study is to investigate the three-dimensional (3D) modeling technology based on scanning with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and to construct a 3D model for management of the construction process. The trunk canal bridge of South-to-North Water Diversion in the second contract section K167+527 from Dong'e County to Liaocheng City on Qingdao-Lanzhou Expressway of China was taken as engineering background. Based on this, the images and videos in the whole construction process of the project were collected by using the UAV. Based on photo alignment and aerial triangulation after point marking on aerial photography taken in flight missions by utilizing the post-processing software, this research obtained dense point cloud data, a digital elevation model, a digital surface model and a digital orthophoto map. The results demonstrate that risk points can be identified more accurately with the UAV-assisted technology. The technology enables personnel to effectively master the construction progress and quality, improve the safety and quality management level, and finally increase the management level of the project.